When Do You Have a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can usually be treated if you contact your dentist in Westfield, NJ right away. But how do you know if you have a dental emergency, or if you should wait until your next dental visit? Here are four examples of dental emergencies that you should never delay notifying the professionals at Creative Dental Care.

1. You Cracked or Broke a Tooth

Even those with healthy teeth and a long history of consistent dentist visits can experience a moment when a tooth gets broken or cracked. Lots of things can cause a crack or a broken tooth. Some of the most common include accidentally biting down on something hard, like a small pebble in a batch of cooked beans, a popcorn seed, overcooked fried chicken, chewing ice, roughhousing, bicycle or motor vehicle accidents, and of course sports injuries. This dental emergency can quickly lead to severe dental pain, nerve damage in the tooth, and possible infection. If you experience a cracked or broken tooth, call your dentist as soon as possible to get the tooth fixed.

2. A Tooth Fell Out or Was Knocked Out

It’s possible to suddenly lose a tooth that you didn’t even think was loose. Sports and other physical activities can lead to a tooth accidentally getting knocked out, too. If one or more of your teeth comes out, call your dentist right away and explain the urgency to the receptionist so you can get in to see the dentist on an emergency basis. While you’re waiting, handle the tooth as little as possible, because the dentist may be able to put it back in. When you make your appointment, ask for their recommendation about how to best transport the tooth on the way to the dentist office.

3. You’re Experiencing a Severe Toothache

It seems like the worst toothaches come on out of the blue, either during a weekend or on vacation. But your dentist doesn’t want you to have to wait until the office officially opens if you have a severe toothache that’s preventing you from doing anything at all. This is a dental emergency that should be taken care of as soon as possible. At the very least, if your dentist can’t get to you, they will likely be able to prescribe a pain killer so you can get relief from the excruciating pain of a toothache until they can treat you in the office.

4. You’ve Developed Oral Bleeding That Won’t Stop

It’s common to experience minimal bleeding when you brush too hard. But if you suddenly experience a gush of blood that won’t seem to stop, it’s urgent to contact your dentist right away. This is a dental emergency that requires immediate care and treatment so the dentist can find out the underlying cause.

When a dental emergency arises, contact Creative Dental Care right away. Don’t hesitate because you think you’re bothering the dental office, or try to live with a dental emergency by yourself. The sooner you get help for a dental emergency, the better off you’ll be.